"Without working smoke detectors we would have had two fatalities in this fire," Wilber said.

Martin said he got up around 2:30 a.m. Monday to put wood in an airtight wood burner in the two-story, wood farm house he rented at 578 Adams Road. About 20 minutes later he woke up to the sound of smoke detectors.

Martin opened the bedroom door and was hit by dense smoke and tremendous heat. He quickly closed the door. He and his wife managed to get out a bedroom window with their dog as flames burned through the door.

Flames engulfed the house as Bronson firefighters arrived. Mutual aid was provided by Lakeland and Orland fire departments. It took firemen over six hours to put out the fire.

"The fire took a lot of work. We really appreciate our mutual aid," Wilber said.

LifeCare treated Earl Martin at the scene for smoke inhalation.

The roof and second floor of the home collapsed onto the first floor. Modert Excavating brought in an excavator to clear out walls and floor debris so firemen could "overhaul" the building and put out fires in the basement.

Wilber said the fire appeared to have started near the wood burner. The state fire marshal was called to assist in the fire investigation.

Martin had renter's insurance for $15,000 worth of contents. Only some clothing was salvaged. Red Cross provided the Martins and their dog a motel until they can find new housing.

House owner Patrick Martin said the $65,000 structure was not insured and was a total loss.

The Branch County Sheriff's Office also assisted at the scene.

Chief Wilber used the fire to urge everyone to install smoke detectors and make sure already installed detectors are working.

"Conduct fire drills with you family so everyone knows two ways out if you have a fire," he said.